Silent Hill 3 - Plot Analysis/FAQ

Silent Hill 3 - Wheelchair Analysis
Version 1.01
Author: SParKe (spark0125@hotmail.com)
Created: 5/28/03
Last updated: 5/30/03
Silent Hill 3 is Konami's survival horror game. This analysis only covers
wheelchair in the game and is not a plot summary or plot analysis. You should
be aware that there are some spoilers ahead if you haven't completed the game
and some references to the previous game(s). Some of the things will make
sense if you finished the game so it is recommended that you play the game
before reading the analysis. =)
This analysis is copyrighted and you cannot alter the content or distribute
on your own will. It is free for personal use. If you wish to include this in
your FAQ, send me an E-mail so that I know where it's going to be used and
hosted.
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Wheelchair Analysis
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There are several places in Silent Hill 3 where wheelchairs are sighted. They
seem to appear in areas where they are least expected both in the normal
world and in the alternate world. Symbolically a wheelchair represents
impairment and disability. To Heather, it serves as a reminder of her past,
as a link between Cheryl (Heather) and Alessa. In addition to its symbolic
meanings the wheelchair also reflects Heather's state of mind regarding
herself and Cheryl/ Alessa. As she progresses to find more about herself,
there is shift in places where the wheelchair is found.
The first wheelchair is found in a garbage room in the sewers. Upon seeing
the wheelchair Heather wonders why there is a wheelchair among other garbage
in the room which is indeed a questionable place. At this point, Heather is a
confident girl and does not need any reassurance of her identity. Although
she suspects that the "weird" happenings have something to do with her, there
is no doubt that she feels secure about herself. This is why she regards the
wheelchair as one of the wastes in the sewers; she is neither impaired nor
socially handicapped.
Before talking with Vincent, Heather sees yet another wheelchair; this time
with a doll resembling a fetus sitting on it. Having been questioned about
her childhood by Vincent, Heather now tries to remember what happened to her
when she was young. This is demonstrated by letting Heather see the
wheelchair with the doll on it. Both Cheryl and Alessa were made to fulfill
the purpose of creating Samael. Thus Alessa was burned in fire and was
disabled from growing into a normal child. The wheelchair with the doll is
here to remind Heather how Alessa -half of her true self- was impaired at an
early age.
Alessa's struggle against the pain that was inflicted on her can be seen in
the basement of the hospital. The fallen wheelchair and the bullet holes on
the walls tell Alessa's resistance and her determination to free herself from
disabilities and from being used. This is the last time the wheelchair is
used to remind Heather of her past. Although there are a few wheelchairs in
the chapel, they are used to show the corruption of the chapel and the
followers and the impairment done on the children. These wheelchairs are
found near monsters and corpses as a visualization of the decaying effect.
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Conclusion
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The imagery of wheelchair is used effectively to create claustrophobic
atmosphere in Silent Hill 3. This is because a wheelchair represents
disability which creates loneliness because of one's inability to do the
things that others can do. By bringing in these elements to the game, Silent
Hill 3 remains as a true horror game.
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Note
If you have any questions or comments regarding my analysis feel free to send
me an E-mail with "Analysis" anywhere in the subject line. Your theories are
also welcome. ^_^
End of analysis